News
Sirisena teases 2018 PM ouster secret, urges clean leadership
Maithri, Ranil and CBK on same stage
Former President Maithripala Sirisena, on Wednesday (16th), stated that anyone wishing to understand why he had removed Ranil Wickremesinghe as Prime Minister in 2018, replacing him with Mahinda Rajapaksa, could approach him privately.
Speaking at the 45th National Conference of Chartered Accountants, where three former Presidents of Sri Lanka—Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, Maithripala Sirisena, and Ranil Wickremesinghe—shared the stage, Sirisena noted that Wickremesinghe had been cordial with him during the event. However, he hinted that it would change if he revealed the actual reason for his decision in 2018 regarding the UNP leader.
“I could explain it, but I’m not sure Mr. Ranil would be pleased. If anyone wants to know, they can ask me privately. It wasn’t solely my decision, but I take full responsibility. Being a leader requires making tough decisions,” Sirisena said.
He further emphasised that for Sri Lanka to progress, it requires not just a clean President, but also an honest cabinet.
“The country cannot advance simply because the President is virtuous. The Prime Minister and the Cabinet must also be clean, with no room for corruption or fraud.
I reject the notion that the country has been corrupt for the past 74 years solely because of politicians. Politicians wouldn’t be able to embezzle without the complicity of bureaucrats,” he said.
Sirisena also stressed the importance of citizens playing their part in building a better nation.
At the same event, former President Chandrika Kumaratunga stated that her government had been the least corrupt since 1977.
Meanwhile, Wickremesinghe remarked on the difference between a CEO and a President, saying, “Steve Jobs could never have become President of the United States. Only Donald Trump managed to cross that line.” (RK)
In terms of the provisions of the Establishments Code on payment of festival advance to government officers, there’s a possibility of obtaining rupees 10,000/- as an advance for celebrating festivals of Theipongal, Ramazan, Sinhala and Hindu New Year, Wesak, Deepavali, and Christmas as well as for pilgrimages (Sri Paada pilgrimage and Hajj pilgrimage).
Provisions have been given to recover the said advance in 08 installments or if required earlier without interest. It has been proposed by the Budget 2026 to increase the said festival advance up to rupees 15,000/-.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the proposal submitted by the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local governments to revise the relevant provisions so that the festival advance can be increased up to rupees 15,000/- .
As per the approval given by the cabinet meeting held on 02-06-2025, action is being taken at present to offer the underutilized lands/properties of the Sri Lanka State Plantation Corporation, the Janatha Etate Development Board, and the Elkaduwa Plantation Company which are under the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure which have been identified under stage one to suitable investors.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Plantations and Community Infrastructure to provide following lands/properties on a lease basis to the suitable investors for optimal utilization following the prescribed procurement procedure.
• underutilized lands/properties identified under stage two owned by the Sri Lanka State Plantation Corporation, the Janatha Estate Development Board, and the Elkaduwa Plantation
Company,
• The Mawarala watte land and the Tea factory 40.48 hectares in extent, located in Matara District belonging to the Tea Shakthi Fund.
• The underutilized land of 1,541 hectares in extent of Kondachchi Estate is enjoyed by the Sri Lanka Cashew Corporation.
The drafting of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy has commenced with the objective of equitable distribution of the benefits of the fisheries industry and the sustainable management of fisheries and aquaculture. This policy has been updated from time to time according to current requirements. However, steps have not been taken to obtain the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers for that purpose.
According to the policy declaration of the present government, ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendor’ the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy has been redrafted, updating the aforementioned policy in line with the economic and development objectives of the government.
The recommendations of the Department of National Planning have been received for the drafted policy.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Marine
Resources to implement the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy, integrating it with other relevant policies.
Lanka Premier League draft set to take place on March 22
Trump to meet Venezuelan opposition leader Machado at the White House
Festival advance for government officers to be increased
Providing underutilized lands/properties to suitable investors for optimal utilization.
Implementation of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy
Expressions of Interest called to develop selected locations within the Pelawatte Sugar Factory premises
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